07/06/2026
A CONSTITUTIONAL CLUTCH
In a moment when the Senate appeared paralyzed by political uncertainty, Senator Chiz Escudero stepped in and did what many believed was necessary: he ensured that the institution continued to function.
By convening the Senate and helping establish a quorum, Escudero set in motion a process that led to the declaration of vacant Senate positions and the assumption of Senator Win Gatchalian as Acting Senate President.
Far from being a reckless move, the action rests on constitutional and legal foundations. Article VI, Section 16(5) of the Constitution states that neither House of Congress may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other chamber. The move also draws support from established legal precedents, including the 1949 Avelino v. Cuenco ruling and previous Senate sessions where quorum was determined based on sitting members.
Questions about legality are expected in any major political development. However, few can deny that Escudero is among the Senate’s most experienced legal minds. His decision was not made on impulse but appears rooted in his understanding of constitutional duty and institutional responsibility.
More importantly, the move signaled a recognition that prolonged political deadlock serves no one—not the Senate, not the majority, and certainly not the Filipino people. At a time when the chamber risked being defined by division and inaction, Escudero chose to prioritize continuity and governance.
Whether viewed as political survival, strategic leadership, or simply doing his job, one thing is clear: Chiz Escudero made a decisive move when the Senate needed one. And in a high-pressure moment, he delivered what could very well be remembered as a Senate-saving clutch performance.
